Housing supply, developer fees and supporting good growth are on the hit-list for an Illawarra property advocacy group ahead of next March’s state election. The Property Council of Australia this week launched its 2019 NSW State Election platform, ‘Six Steps to a More Liveable, Affordable and Prosperous NSW’. The organisation says this platform, with more than 30 recommendations, highlights the key policy changes that need to occur to ensure sustainable growth in combination with strong economic growth and jobs in NSW. Read more: Property Council Illawarra backs build-to-rent housing model Property Council Illawarra regional director Michelle Guido said changes to the NSW planning system, increasing the diversity and supply of housing, examining and reducing the fees and charges applied to development and supporting good growth and high amenity are all critical to achieving better outcomes for the community and industry across the state. “NSW is the engine room of the Australian economy,” Ms Guido said. “With Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong at the epicentres of growth, we must ensure our state’s prosperity, liveability and affordability is shared across our existing suburbs, planned growth areas and regions. “The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, with the city of Wollongong at its centre, is fast becoming one of the most popular regions to live, work and play. “We are the third largest regional economy in NSW with a mix of traditional and emerging industries.” Ms Guido said the region’s proximity to Sydney puts it in a strong, strategic location to take advantage of a number of economic drivers, especially around the future Western Sydney Airport and the strong links with freight and rail to connect in with Port Kembla. “The key is to take advantage of these economic drivers,” she said. “We want to see a continued commitment from state government for faster rail between Sydney and the Illawarra, and also the investment into rail infrastructure for the South West Illawarra Rail Link. “We also want to see a commitment to implementing key planning reforms to encourage more diverse and high amenity housing near existing infrastructure and in the right areas, as highlighted by Property Council’s Illawarra Shoalhaven Housing Affordability Research. “There is no doubt our region will see more growth and investment over the next 20 years, and it is up to us to decide whether our growth will be sustainable, strategic and successful, or unplanned and reactive. “We want to see good growth in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven backed by good decision-making, and it is critical that our state government delivers the right transport investment and policies to support a strong supply of housing for our local communities and businesses.” The Property Council’s ‘Six Steps to a More Liveable, Affordable and Prosperous NSW’ are: *Create tomorrow’s Sydney by delivering the plans for good growth and high amenity. *Fix the NSW planning system to complement the strategic vision. *Accelerate the supply and diversity of housing to improve affordability and lower the cost of living. *Step up evidence-based infrastructure investment program to reduce congestion and support growing communities. *Reduce fees, taxes and charges to boost investment and economic growth and create jobs. *Support our regions to strengthen their unique characteristics, attract jobs and increase investment. Read more: Property Council Illawarra on the newly formed 'Good Growth Alliance'

Property Council Illawarra launches its 2019 NSW Election platform

Housing supply, developer fees and supporting good growth are on the hit-list for an Illawarra property advocacy group ahead of next March’s state election.

The Property Council of Australia this week launched its 2019 NSW State Election platform, ‘Six Steps to a More Liveable, Affordable and Prosperous NSW’.

The organisation says this platform, with more than 30 recommendations, highlights the key policy changes that need to occur to ensure sustainable growth in combination with strong economic growth and jobs in NSW.

Property Council Illawarra regional director Michelle Guido said changes to the NSW planning system, increasing the diversity and supply of housing, examining and reducing the fees and charges applied to development and supporting good growth and high amenity are all critical to achieving better outcomes for the community and industry across the state.

“NSW is the engine room of the Australian economy,” Ms Guido said.

“With Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong at the epicentres of growth, we must ensure our state’s prosperity, liveability and affordability is shared across our existing suburbs, planned growth areas and regions.

“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, with the city of Wollongong at its centre, is fast becoming one of the most popular regions to live, work and play.

“We are the third largest regional economy in NSW with a mix of traditional and emerging industries.”

Ms Guido said the region’s proximity to Sydney puts it in a strong, strategic location to take advantage of a number of economic drivers, especially around the future Western Sydney Airport and the strong links with freight and rail to connect in with Port Kembla.

“The key is to take advantage of these economic drivers,” she said.

“We want to see a continued commitment from state government for faster rail between Sydney and the Illawarra, and also the investment into rail infrastructure for the South West Illawarra Rail Link.

“There is no doubt our region will see more growth and investment over the next 20 years, and it is up to us to decide whether our growth will be sustainable, strategic and successful, or unplanned and reactive.

“We want to see good growth in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven backed by good decision-making, and it is critical that our state government delivers the right transport investment and policies to support a strong supply of housing for our local communities and businesses.”

The Property Council’s ‘Six Steps to a More Liveable, Affordable and Prosperous NSW’ are:

*Create tomorrow’s Sydney by delivering the plans for good growth and high amenity.

*Fix the NSW planning system to complement the strategic vision.

*Accelerate the supply and diversity of housing to improve affordability and lower the cost of living.

*Step up evidence-based infrastructure investment program to reduce congestion and support growing communities.